Linda's Proton Therapy in USA
Donation protected
Linda is 33, married and has two boys, Jacob 6 and Isaac 3. Linda has been diagnosed with a very rare type of cancerous tumour called Extraskeletal Myxoid Chondrosarcoma in her spinal cord which is both intra and extradural. (This means the tumour is deep within the spinal cord, pressing on nerves which control the bowel bladder & lower limbs)
Linda has already undergone extensive spinal surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible without causing excessive, long lasting and irreversible damage to her mobility. Removing the whole tumour would result in Linda being in a wheelchair and needing a stoma for the rest of her life which many surgeons from around the world feel is not the best option. Since her surgery Linda has been learning to walk again and gaining strength for the next part of her treatment.
After lengthy discussions specialists have decided that Proton Beam Therapy is the best option for Linda as it would cause the least damage to the surrounding nerves in the spinal cord. This treatment is not available in the UK, she will need to travel to Jacksonville, America. NHS Scotland have already approved her case but she is awaiting approval from England before they have an exact date to go. This treatment will hopefully control the tumour and possibly shrink what is left and offers the best outcomes for Linda going forward.
Linda and her family are likely to need to be in America for at least 7 weeks, possibly longer. The NHS will fund Linda to go for this treatment but she would love to be able to take her husband and young children with her too as it is a long time to be apart. Linda's husband Andrew is a self employed joiner, therefore if he is not working he is not earning and now Linda herself has already been off work for several months and her wages will decrease as time goes on.
The money raised will help to get Andrew and the boys out to America with Linda, assist with the families general living expenses home and abroad and aid Linda's recovery. Linda has not chosen to be in this situation having to fundraise and needing this life changing treatment in America, so she wants to take advantage of this and use the time to rest, recuperate and when well enough, spend quality time with her boys creating happy memories.
Money raised beyond this will be used to support other cancer charities.
Linda and many of her family and friends have a strong Christian faith and although it's been hard, she believes she is in God’s hands every step of the way.
Linda really appreciates everyone's practical support, cards, thoughts and prayers so far.
You can show your support by donating via this page, fundraising, liking and sharing.
Lets help get them to America xxx
Linda has already undergone extensive spinal surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible without causing excessive, long lasting and irreversible damage to her mobility. Removing the whole tumour would result in Linda being in a wheelchair and needing a stoma for the rest of her life which many surgeons from around the world feel is not the best option. Since her surgery Linda has been learning to walk again and gaining strength for the next part of her treatment.
After lengthy discussions specialists have decided that Proton Beam Therapy is the best option for Linda as it would cause the least damage to the surrounding nerves in the spinal cord. This treatment is not available in the UK, she will need to travel to Jacksonville, America. NHS Scotland have already approved her case but she is awaiting approval from England before they have an exact date to go. This treatment will hopefully control the tumour and possibly shrink what is left and offers the best outcomes for Linda going forward.
Linda and her family are likely to need to be in America for at least 7 weeks, possibly longer. The NHS will fund Linda to go for this treatment but she would love to be able to take her husband and young children with her too as it is a long time to be apart. Linda's husband Andrew is a self employed joiner, therefore if he is not working he is not earning and now Linda herself has already been off work for several months and her wages will decrease as time goes on.
The money raised will help to get Andrew and the boys out to America with Linda, assist with the families general living expenses home and abroad and aid Linda's recovery. Linda has not chosen to be in this situation having to fundraise and needing this life changing treatment in America, so she wants to take advantage of this and use the time to rest, recuperate and when well enough, spend quality time with her boys creating happy memories.
Money raised beyond this will be used to support other cancer charities.
Linda and many of her family and friends have a strong Christian faith and although it's been hard, she believes she is in God’s hands every step of the way.
Linda really appreciates everyone's practical support, cards, thoughts and prayers so far.
You can show your support by donating via this page, fundraising, liking and sharing.
Lets help get them to America xxx
Organizer
Grace Ewing
Organizer